Home Heating Safety
The colder it gets, the more house fires increase. Think cautiously when warming your home with portable heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves.

Caution: Carbon Monoxide Kills

Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and tasteless and can do permanent damage if exposed to it too long, including death!

Portable Space Heaters

Use portable space heaters with an automatic shut-off so if they're tipped over they will shut off.

Keep at least three feet of space between the heater and combustibles such as furniture, curtains, bedding and papers.

Inspect heaters for cracked or damaged cords, broken plugs or loose connections. Replace them if necessary before using.

Turn heaters off when not in use, before going to bed or when leaving the room for any length of time.

Fireplaces and Wood Stoves

Have your chimney and wood stove flues and vents inspected and cleaned every year. Check for creosote deposits, soot buildup and physical damage.

Always use a fireplace screen made of sturdy metal or heat-tempered glass to prevent sparks from escaping.

Clear the area around the hearth of debris, decorations and flammable materials.

Store kindling, fire logs and wood at least three feet from any heat source.

Use proper fire starters, such as newspaper, kindling or specially manufactured starters designed for indoor use. Never use flammable liquid, such as lighter fluid, kerosene or gasoline to start a fire.

Cold Weather Safety

Assemble disaster preparedness kits to keep at home, in your vehicle and at work. For a full list of recommended kit items, visit www.redcross.org/PrepareGuide.

In case of a power failure, make sure you have enough non-perishable food and water stored to last everyone in the household until power has been restored. A three-day supply of food and water for each person is recommended.

Use battery-operated flashlights or lanterns instead of candles (because it could be a fire hazard) during a power outage. Do not leave burning candles unattended.

Have plenty of blankets and warm clothing available should you be without heat for an extended period of time due to a power outage.